Vote Clears Way for New Leagues

The City Section Interscholastic Athletic Committee gave final approval Monday to a proposal that will produce new leagues beginning in the 1999-2000 school year.

Schools can appeal the decision, but Monday’s vote clears the way for an end to conferences and the return to six-team leagues.

The new Valley leagues will be as follows: League 7, Canoga Park, Grant, Hollywood, North Hollywood, Poly and Verdugo Hills; League 8, Kennedy, Monroe, Reseda, Van Nuys, San Fernando and Sylmar; League 9, Birmingham, Chatsworth, Cleveland, El Camino Real, Granada Hills, Taft.

BASEBALL

Freshman pitcher Kurt Birkins, an El Camino Real High graduate, threw four shutout innings in his college debut Sunday for UCLA in a 5-3 loss to Hawaii.

Former Chatsworth High and Pierce College outfielder Danny Phillips hit two three-run home runs on Sunday for Cal State Northridge in a 19-14 loss to San Francisco.

FOOTBALL

Todd Therrien, a former Tri-Valley League lineman of the year at St. Bonaventure High who played last season for Ventura College, said he has signed with Western New Mexico.

Jerrod Gonzales, a fullback at Royal High, has committed to play at Ohio Wesleyan next season.

Gordo Pinedo, a freshman receiver and kick returner at St. Bonaventure last season, has transferred to Hueneme, Seraph Coach Jon Mack said.

Pinedo, who caught 21 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns, is the third St. Bonaventure player to leave the program this month, following quarterback Chris Lombardo and lineman Adrian Ayala.

BASKETBALL

A celebrity basketball tournament and silent auction to benefit the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center will be held March 7 at Notre Dame High.

Celebrities are needed to play, referee, coach and serve as master of ceremonies. Information: Mike Powell at (310) 474-4105 or Rob Tabora at (818) 783-5121.

BOXING

Heavyweight Lance Whitaker of Granada Hills is tentatively scheduled to fight Lou Savarese on March 6 at a site to be determined. Whitaker (18-0) scored a seventh-round technical knockout over Alex Stewart on Jan. 16 in Las Vegas.

SOCCER

Terry Davila and Keith West, former Cal State Northridge soccer players, will conduct youth clinics and tryouts for the Valley United soccer club in February and March at Reseda High.

Players 8-13 may attend the free clinics Monday evenings. Information: (818) 705-7920.